Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel and Ness Beach
Discover Ness Cove Beach, a hidden gem accessed via a spooky smugglers tunnel, boasting unique red sands and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel and Ness Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ness Cove Beach, a hidden gem accessed via a spooky smugglers tunnel, boasting unique red sands and stunning coastal views.
"It’s no great secret, but the beach is only accessible via the tunnel or the sea. "
🥾 Wear Beach Shoes
Essential for navigating the stony beach and avoiding sharp rocks. Crabs can also be present!
⏰ Check Tide Times
High tide can block the tunnel and make beach access tricky. Plan accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel
An atmospheric tunnel leading to a hidden cove. Spooky yet exciting!
Ness Cove Beach
Shaldon
A secluded beach with striking red sand and stones, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Coastal Views
Spectacular cliff views above the beach offer a dramatic backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Access & Tide Times
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Beach Shoes
Essential for navigating the stony beach and avoiding sharp rocks. Crabs can also be present!
⏰ Check Tide Times
High tide can block the tunnel and make beach access tricky. Plan accordingly!
🚗 Parking Available
A car park is located near the tunnel entrance, typically around £5 for 4 hours.
🍦 Grab a Treat
A kiosk at the tunnel top offers ice creams and snacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Beach Shoes
Essential for navigating the stony beach and avoiding sharp rocks. Crabs can also be present!
⏰ Check Tide Times
High tide can block the tunnel and make beach access tricky. Plan accordingly!
🚗 Parking Available
A car park is located near the tunnel entrance, typically around £5 for 4 hours.
🍦 Grab a Treat
A kiosk at the tunnel top offers ice creams and snacks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly
The beach welcomes dogs year-round, making it great for pet owners.
📸 Tunnel Entrance Views
The tunnel itself offers a unique photo opportunity before reaching the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique access via the smugglers tunnel and the beautiful, secluded nature of Ness Cove Beach with its distinctive red sand. The stunning coastal views and peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted. Some note the need for beach shoes and awareness of tide times for safe access.
"Fairly quiet when we were there, beach/sea shoes are a must here, as climbing over the stones into the sea can be a bit precarious, and a few spikey crabs about the place you wouldn't want to step on for their sake and your own.
Views brilliant, worth the little walk.
Car park about £5 for 4 hours not that bad when used to paying London prices.
Nice ice cream from the shop by the pond, think it was £11.50 for three double scoop 99's"
Lee D
"An interesting place mainly because of the way you can get to the beach and also because of the red color of the sand and stones. The only way to get there is through the Smugglers' Tunnel located next to Shaldon Zoo. There is also a large parking lot with public toilets, which is important because there are no public toilets on the beach. The beach is dog-friendly at all times of the year."
Tom G
"one of the best beaches around. amazing walk to get here and such a beautiful view of the cliffs above once you exit the tunnel. nice and hidden from most tourists so usually not crazy busy. be warned though, if you go out or come back in during high tide, there are sharp rocks that you won't be able to see. take it easy, go at low tide, or wear beach / water shoes and you will be just fine. sand is beautiful, nice shady spots under the cliffs. can get rough due to being so open out to sea, but definitely a fun place to play in the waves and splash around during calmer times. definitely recommend checking out, beautiful spot."
tsukimi819
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most unique way is via the Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel, accessible from the village. Alternatively, you can drive and park near the tunnel entrance. Some visitors recommend taking the ferry from Teignmouth to Shaldon for a scenic approach.
Yes, there is a car park located close to the smugglers tunnel entrance. It costs approximately £5 for 4 hours.
Yes, the primary access is through the Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel, which is a short walk from the village.
Shaldon is served by local bus routes. From Teignmouth, you can also take a ferry across the river.
Many visitors enjoy the adventure of going through the smugglers tunnel. Driving around and parking is also an option, but less exciting!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee for the Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel itself. The main cost is for parking if you drive.
Ness Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking fees apply if you are driving.
The tunnel is generally accessible during daylight hours, but its usability is dependent on tide times.
Access via the tunnel is restricted during high tide. It's crucial to check tide times before visiting to ensure safe passage.
Yes, public toilets are available at the top of the tunnel, near the car park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ness Cove is a beautiful, secluded beach characterized by its striking red sand and stones. It's often described as peaceful and not overly crowded.
Beach or water shoes are highly recommended due to the stony nature of the beach and potential for sharp rocks, especially at higher tides.
Yes, it's a fun place to play in the waves, though conditions can get rough as it's open to the sea. It's best enjoyed during calmer times.
There are no facilities directly on the beach. However, a kiosk at the top of the tunnel offers drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
Yes, Ness Beach is dog-friendly and welcomes pets at all times of the year.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrance to the smugglers tunnel provides a unique, atmospheric shot. The red sand and stones of the beach itself, along with the dramatic cliff views, are also highly photogenic. +1
The red hues of the sand and stones can create beautiful, warm tones during sunset, especially when combined with the coastal scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tunnel and the expanse of the beach. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography on the beach or in the tunnel. However, always be mindful of other visitors.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the tranquility. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful light on the red stones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are toilets and a kiosk at the top of the tunnel, making it convenient for families. The beach is also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in the fun too. Just be mindful of the tide times to ensure easy access through the tunnel.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Couples
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, take in the dramatic cliff views, or simply find a quiet spot to read. The nearby kiosk offers a chance to grab a coffee or ice cream, and the dog-friendly nature means you might even meet some local canine companions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Smugglers Tunnel
Many travelers recommend going through the tunnel as the most fun way to reach the beach, rather than simply driving around. It’s a short but memorable walk that builds anticipation for the stunning views that await. Be mindful of the tide, as it can affect access, and consider wearing sturdy shoes for the journey.
This tunnel is a key reason why Shaldon Smugglers Tunnel and Ness Beach is a popular spot for those seeking something a little different. It’s a conversation starter and a highlight that many visitors recall fondly from their trip to Devon.
Discovering Ness Cove Beach
While it's not a vast sandy expanse, its charm lies in its intimacy and the distinctive color of its shores. It’s a great spot for families and individuals looking to relax, paddle, or simply enjoy the stunning views. The beach is also dog-friendly year-round, making it a perfect destination for pet owners.
Visitors often praise the beach for its peaceful atmosphere, noting that it rarely gets overwhelmingly crowded, even on sunny weekends. This makes it an ideal location for a tranquil day out, away from the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist spots.
Navigating Shaldon and Surrounds
Once in Shaldon, the Smugglers Tunnel is the main gateway to Ness Beach. If you're arriving by car, there's a convenient car park located near the tunnel entrance, with fees typically around £5 for a few hours. This parking area also provides access to public toilets, which are a welcome amenity.
For those looking for refreshments, a kiosk situated at the top of the tunnel offers ice creams, drinks, and snacks. This is a handy spot to grab a treat before or after your beach adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit